The challenges that come with being competitive in one of the most sought-after regions in the world is not lost on anyone, especially not Ali Ozbay who heads up the Marketing Communications for Rixos in the Gulf Region. We caught up with Ali to hear more about what it takes to have the competitive edge.

1. As the Head of Marketing & Communications for Gulf Region, it must come with a lot of responsibility. What does an average day look like for you?

Every day is a new day. I wake up each morning at 5 AM. I try to exercise at least three days a week for an hour. Shower, enjoy a morning cup of coffee in the garden, dress up, and head to the office. I schedule essential meetings early in the morning and initiate regular one-to-one catch-ups with the team. Some days consist mainly of networking and connecting with media, peers and executives. I must say Zoom Meetings have also become a part of our lives after the pandemic. I'm a firm believer in efficacy over presence. Remote work is the future. It does not matter where you are; what matters is the quality of your contribution regardless of your location.

2. Where did your passion for the industry come from?

I was born in Istanbul/ Turkey. Having spent my childhood travelling the country with my family for years, I found hospitality or the hotelier life fascinating.

My first job was being a Holiday Rep for one of the major travel companies back then, and I was based in the famous Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye, which is still one of the best hotels you can ever visit in Turkey. Working in tourism and hospitality in Turkey is excellent and so much fun, especially in those years when the tourism sector was booming with new concepts.

I moved to UK to finish my studies and did a Master's Degree in Tourism Management. After finishing my studies, I started travelling in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. I remember my motto back then, "Life is short, and the world is wide. Travel often."

3. Could you tell us a bit more about the history of the destination?

We are located on the beautiful Saadiyat Island, a natural island and a cultural hotspot for Emirati heritage. From Zayed National Museum to Louvre Abu Dhabi and soon the Guggenheim, are some of the Saadiyat experiences.

Saadiyat Island also has a strong appeal to nature lovers. Marine life enthusiasts will love the abundance of beautiful animals, particularly the endangered Hawksbill turtles that nest on the island.

4. From a personal perspective, what strategies work the best to keep Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island such an esteemed destination?

We've done extensive research and sampling throughout the years, and it always comes down to 3 significant elements. F&B, Entertainment and Sports. There are no surprises here. But the question is, how do you actually leverage that into a business proposition. We are by far the best in the industry when it comes to delivering unique experiences at a scale.

The Middle East is full of beautiful hotels run by reputable, successful brands. Some are like hospitality institutions, and some are an extension of fashion brands and so on. Fascinating hardware, glamorous lobbies, fancy architecture, and so on.

When the guests walk in, instantly, they are impressed by the crystal chandeliers and the makrana marble or tall and centered water fountains creating a sense of everlasting grace. Then what? What’s gonna happen in the next 7 days?

We look out for what’s missing in the market rather than what’s already there. We bring guests experiences to thoroughly enjoy and memories to take away.

5. Have you felt improvements at the establishment post-pandemic?

Things have drastically changed in the post covid era. Starting with the booking trends and frames, it's a different game today.

Travelers' mindsets have shifted from simply booking a hotel and staying put to looking for cultural activities or memorable moments that will enhance their time away. We, as hoteliers, need to re-evaluate our offerings to meet this shift in consumer demand. Simply put, hotels need to incorporate experiences into their primary offering.

6. Personally, what are your favourite aspects of Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island?

Rixos ethos is based on a high-quality, exclusive experience at a price point that makes sense to us and makes sense for the guests who can afford it. Hence, we call it actually, All-Inclusive - All Exclusive. I believe "lifestyle" has been a buzzword for over a decade, and it actually goes a long way within our industry. For us, it's actually embedded in our value proposition. Quite often, I recommend friends who ask me what it's like in Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, to scroll down on the social feeds of the hotel. They will see what other guests have done and enjoyed throughout their stay.

7. What does the future have in store for the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island?

There is a growing demand for all-inclusive holidays, particularly in the post-covid era. Premium and luxury all-inclusive stays leverage the idea of worry-free vacations. Rixos Hotels has been a key figure in this segment since the early 2000s. Our hotels have a variety of culinary options and experiences for all ages. Rixos Premium Saadiyat is the perfect spot to experience these privileges in Abu Dhabi. It will keep offering something unique that many other hotels do not. An all-inclusive luxury getaway is what every family needs more than ever.